Hot Tub Safety Tips for All Ages
Considering the typically shallow depth of a hot tub and the use of them for relaxation, many assume there aren’t risks involved; however, many deaths and injuries have arisen while using a hot tub. Precautions taken and the consideration of factors can alleviate the chance of fatalities and injuries.
Limiting the Use of Tub
Due to the high temperatures of the water in a hot tub, bathers will experience many health benefits, including lower blood pressure. If one already has low blood pressure, they’ll want to limit hot tub usage and temperature. Blood pressure dropping too low can result in dizziness and fainting, which can then lead to drowning. If setting the temperature at 104°, it’s recommended to bathe for no more than 15 minutes.
Limiting Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can dehydrate the body, as can the hot tub. The dehydration, the lowering of blood pressure and the faster one will become inebriated while in the tub can result in dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, passing out and drowning. One will want to drink less than they normally would and will also want to ensure they are properly hydrated.
Child Supervision
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 340 children below the age of fifteen (15) suffered pool and spa related drownings in 2020 (CPSC). Keeping the cover on the tub when not in use will not only assist with keeping the water clear from debris, but also keeping children away from possible injury or death.
Proper Sanitation
A proper chlorine or bromine reading, along with a balanced PH and Alkalinity reading is necessary for keeping the water safe for bathers from bacteria. Getting a water test to ensure a proper balance is recommended at least twice a month. Draining the hot tub every four months is recommended because after a while the chemicals will create a lock in the water, resulting in sanitizer becoming ineffective. A new batch of water will then remove the TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, along with any smells that may also have been present.
Purging the Tub
Adding System Cleanse* to the water before draining the hot tub will remove biofilm from the plumbing of the tub. Biofilm can harbor pathogens which are harmful to individuals and can result in UTIs, rashes, Mycobacterium avium complex (Hot Tub Lung), Legionella infection and allergic reactions. After draining, it’s recommended to wipe down the tub with a magic eraser with either vinegar or Spa Cleaner*. Soaps are not recommended due to the suds that can prosper once the tub is refilled.
*SpaPure System Cleanse and SpaPure Spa Cleaner are both sold at Hydra Hot Tubs & Pools
